Schinus molle

Features and care

Schinus molle, known as the Peruvian pepper tree, is an evergreen tree with weeping branches. Its fine foliage and slightly weeping silhouette explain its historical ornamental uses as a shade tree and landscape specimen, without making a general planting recommendation.

The leaves are made up of numerous narrow leaflets and give off a characteristic scent. The flowers are tiny, yellowish green and grouped in panicles. Female specimens can form clusters of small pink or reddish fruits, which contrast with a green crown that stays on all year.

It needs full sun and can reach 8 to 15 m with fast growth. It prefers dry, well-drained ground and very low watering, with widely spaced waterings cut back almost entirely in winter. It tolerates persistent humid air poorly. Its USDA 9–11 hardiness points to a preference for mild winters and sensitivity to frost, so the site should favour warmth and good air circulation.

At Ornacom we cultivate each specimen directly, guaranteeing a balanced size and abundant flowering from the first years of planting.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so any visitor can see at a glance whether the plant suits their climate and garden.

Cultivation

Exposure

Full sun

Watering

ORN-RIEGO 1/5 · very low — very spaced-out watering; cut back almost entirely in winter

Soil / moisture

Dry; well drained

Flowering

Inconspicuous

Climate

USDA hardiness

Zones 9 – 11

Compatible climates

BSh, Csa, Csb, Cfa warm

Humid climate tolerance

ORN-HUM 2/5 · low

Maintenance

Growth

ORN-ALT 5/5 · 8–15 m · fast growth

Pests

ORN-PLAGA 3/5 · medium — sap-sucking/boring insects and leaf or root fungi; watch for water stress

Fertilising

ORN-ABONO 2/5 · low — prioritise soil and organic matter; fertilise in spring only based on analysis and vigour

  • Warning

Potentially invasive; fruit and sap can irritate. Sensitive to frost and saturated soil.

Extended species profile

Verified cultivation data, designed so any visitor can see at a glance whether the plant suits their climate and garden.

Cultivation

Exposure

Full sun

Watering

ORN-RIEGO 1/5 · very low — very spaced-out watering; cut back almost entirely in winter

Soil / moisture

Dry; well drained

Flowering

Inconspicuous

Climate

USDA hardiness

Zones 9 – 11

Compatible climates

BSh, Csa, Csb, Cfa warm

Humid climate tolerance

ORN-HUM 2/5 · low

Maintenance

Growth

ORN-ALT 5/5 · 8–15 m · fast growth

Pests

ORN-PLAGA 3/5 · medium — sap-sucking/boring insects and leaf or root fungi; watch for water stress

Fertilising

ORN-ABONO 2/5 · low — prioritise soil and organic matter; fertilise in spring only based on analysis and vigour

  • Warning

Potentially invasive; fruit and sap can irritate. Sensitive to frost and saturated soil.

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